Author
Ellen Eberhardt
Powerhouses from across the outdoor industry have come together to launch The Outdoorist Oath, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting and empowering outdoorists of every kind. Founded on the pillars of Planet, Inclusion, and Adventure, the educational program seeks to continue the work of enacting change within the outdoor community by investigating ongoing conversations around diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
Co-founded by Teresa Baker, (founder of the In Solidarity Project and the CEO Pledge), Pattie Gonia, and José G. González (founder of @latinooutdoors) and directed by Gabaccia Moreno, The Oath will launch with an initial program delivered in a free two-hour online session, available this Spring and in-person come Summer 2022.
After the session is completed, students "sign the Oath" and join a growing community of other outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to making change. Oath-signers then receive ongoing educational materials, access to the Oath community, and opportunities to put plans in action.
“We’re not here to simply 'burn it all down’ but to do a controlled burn of what doesn’t serve us anymore," The Oath co-founder, José González, states via press release. "Our industry is made up of talented, passionate, and dedicated individuals, so it is important how we approach this work and provide support for this community. The Oath will hopefully be that foundation and framework on which the outdoors industry can step into its leadership in terms of inclusivity, action, and positive change within the world.”
“We must give people the opportunity to try, fail and try again, without judgment. That’s the only path to progress.” - Teresa Baker
The nonprofit also hopes to help expand the definition of an outdoorist within the industry, where value, access, and visibility are most afforded to high energy, high discipline, high difficulty-focused individuals. As most of us know, you do not to be barreling down a backcountry ski hill at breakneck speed to have a good time outside, sometimes a simple walk is nice-and just as beneficial.
“It’s time to get to work but let’s have some fun doing it,” says co-founder Teresa Baker, “We must give people the opportunity to try, fail and try again, without judgment. That’s the only path to progress.”
The Outside Oath is now live. We'll see you there.
Published 01-18-2022
